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dry eye nutrition and diet

Dry Eye nutrition and diet

 

How Diet Supports Healthy Tears and Comfortable Vision

Dry Eye is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the ocular surface and tear film. While in-clinic treatments are essential, nutrition plays a critical supporting role in improving tear quality, reducing inflammation, and supporting long-term symptom control.

Here we outline the key nutrients shown to benefit dry eye, and how dietary choices can support your treatment outcomes.

 

Emerging research suggests that gut health may influence ocular inflammation, highlighting a new dimension of dry eye nutrition.

 

Incorporating prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods can support a balanced microbiome, potentially easing dryness and irritation. Additionally, staying mindful of meal timing and nutrient diversity can enhance overall eye comfort. Exploring these strategies alongside traditional dietary advice further strengthens a comprehensive dry eye nutrition approach.

 

Why Nutrition Matters in Dry Eye

Healthy tears rely on:

  • Adequate oil (lipid) production from the meibomian glands

  • A stable tear film

  • Reduced ocular surface inflammation

Modern diets high in processed foods and low in essential fatty acids can worsen tear instability and inflammation. Strategic nutritional support helps address dry eye from the inside out.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Helps improve tear stability and reduce inflammation of the eye surface.

Best sources

  • Fatty fish: salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies

  • Plant sources: flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts

  • Fish oil or omega-3 supplements like Actase OmegaEye

Key nutrients

  • EPA & DHA (fish)

  • ALA (plants)

 

 

Vitamin A (Eye Surface Health)

Essential for tear production and corneal health in relation to dry eye nutrition.

Food sources

  • Liver (small amounts)

  • Egg yolk

  • Carrots

  • Sweet potatoes

  • Spinach, kale

  • Pumpkin

It is important to avoid excess vitamin A supplements unless prescribed or advised by a medical professional.

Vitamin D (Anti-Inflammatory)

Low vitamin D is commonly associated with dry eye severity.

Sources

  • Sunlight

  • Fatty fish

  • Egg yolks

  • Fortified milk / plant milks

It is important to arrange a blood test with your GP to clarify your vitamin D levels.

 

Antioxidants (Reduce Eye Inflammation)

Protect eye tissues from oxidative stress.

Important antioxidants

  • Vitamin C: oranges, kiwi, bell peppers

  • Vitamin E: almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado

  • Polyphenols: berries, green tea, dark chocolate (70%+)

 

Zinc (Supports Vitamin A & Tear Production)

  • Oysters

  • Beef

  • Pumpkin seeds

  • Chickpeas

  • Lentils

Hydrating Foods

Dehydration worsens dry eye symptoms.

Good options

  • Cucumber

  • Watermelon

  • Celery

  • Soup / broth

  • Herbal teas

Always aim to drink plenty of water on a daily basis as recommended for your gender and health status.

 

 

Foods That Can Worsen Dry Eye

Limit or reduce to enhance tour dry eye nutrition plan:

  • Highly processed foods

  • Trans fats (fried foods, margarine)

  • Excess omega-6 oils (corn oil, soybean oil)

  • High sugar intake

  • Excess alcohol

  • Too much caffeine (moderation is key)

These increase systemic inflammation and can worsen tear instability.

Sample Dry Eye Nutrition Friendly Day

Breakfast

  • Eggs with spinach + olive oil

  • Whole grain toast

  • Green tea

Lunch

  • Grilled salmon

  • Quinoa

  • Steamed vegetables

Snack

  • Walnuts + berries

Dinner

  • Lentil or chickpea stew

  • Sweet potatoes

  • Avocado salad

 

Supplements

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA – Actase OmegaEye)

  • Vitamin D (if deficient)

  • Omega-7 (sea buckthorn oil)

  • Probiotics (gut-eye inflammation link)

Our clinicians can provide individualised nutrition and supplement guidance as part of your dry eye assessment.

 

Read a general overview of Dry Eye nutrition and brief overview of foods ABDO recommend for a good dry eye diet. 

Why Choose Us

Specialist Expertise

Clinicians trained in dry eye management.

Tailored Treatments

Personalised plans designed for your lifestyle.

Advanced Technology

Proven treatments like IPL & LLLT.

Compassionate Care

We support you from start to finish.

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

Improve quality of life for patients with dry eye disease.

Vision

To be recognised as the leading dry eye centre in the UK.

Values

Innovation, Integrity, Compassion, Patient First.